Beach Read by Emily Henry

January Andrews and Augustus "Gus" Everett are two writers with opposing styles. January writes best-selling romance novels with happy endings, while Gus writes critically acclaimed literary fiction with darker themes. Both are facing writer's block and personal crises: January's father recently passed away, leaving her with a lake house she didn't know he owned, and Gus is dealing with his own complicated past. They end up spending the summer as neighbors in the lake house community. To break their creative blocks, they make a bet: each will try to write in the other's genre. January will write a literary novel, and Gus will pen a romance. As they embark on research outings and writing sessions together, they begin to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives and struggles. Through their interactions, they confront their own emotional baggage, secrets, and fears. The line between professional rivalry and personal connection blurs, leading to unexpected romantic developments. Ultimately, their summer challenge helps them grow as writers and individuals, and they find healing and love in each other's company.